Free or paid forum software?

[xXInfectedXx]

At the moment, I am using a free forum software to run my forum. phpBB has been excellent so far.

 

[Elisa]

phpBB is the best forum software out there, and what's the most amusing it's free.
I think that in the future we will need to pay for it in order to use it, because it's so good.
We are lucky that we can access it for free right now, so we should use it as soon as we don't need to pay for it.

 

[lludawg]

I used to own a forum and I ran it using MyBB, which is free. I liked it because I got a really nice theme and there were tons of plugins I could utilize. However, I see that the majority of the forums I visit (including this one) are using XenForo which I believe is paid forum software. If I ever create a forum again, I will most likely go with XenForo just because I love the look and layout of it.

 

[Raiden]

phpBB is the best forum software out there, and what's the most amusing it's free.
I think that in the future we will need to pay for it in order to use it, because it's so good.
We are lucky that we can access it for free right now, so we should use it as soon as we don't need to pay for it.

Hah, you're funny.

Anyways... paid software, definitely. While I do love MyBB, ATM, it can't stand up to IPB, XF, VB, etc.

 

[adssolsn]

Paid forums are much better. Most paid forum software come with all time assistance, security and are ad free. So I recommend you use paid forum software.

 

[Elisa]

Hah, you're funny.

Anyways... paid software, definitely. While I do love MyBB, ATM, it can't stand up to IPB, XF, VB, etc.

Lol, ikr?!
Yes, those are genius, but I'm just never happy when I have to invest money and pay for softwares.

 

[Kennito]

I am also using phpBB on some of my few website to increase the rate of engagement on my website visitor. I am more than happy with them. I guess phpBB is one of the best forum software.

 

[Doc Moose]

As a startup, it is always a nice option to go with a free software. It is better to go this route in case the venture won't become successful. At least, you are not losing hard-earned money this way. They say that porn is a profitable business and right now, I'm thinking of a porn forum using a free software. Just saying.

 

[tongxiaoxin]

I have always believe free things are never comparable to paid things. There must be a catch as to why something is free and something else is not free. And that difference can possibly be due to quality as a general guild. I have not used any forum software but I still believe in getting what you paid for.

 

[kingcool52]

I think that I will always use free forum software unless I work with a partner on a site and they have a license for a paid forum software. Personally I think that free forum software is as good as paid forum software. Software such as myBB have many beautiful looking themes, a great range of plugins and support available from staff & developers and other webmasters who use myBB. I also think that the paid forum software is a bit overpriced and expensive which is the main turn off

 

[KimberlyD]

I have a free forum platform (PHPBB) and I am very happy with it. I used to want Xenforo which is a paid platform but then I realized that everything Xenforo has, I can have with PHPBB through modifications. I just have to ask for it to be designed or design it myself. I don't think it really matters whether it is paid or free, it all depends on what makes you happy and what works for you.

 

[Jason76]

Paid stuff is better if you're more an "under the hood" type person. In other words, you often have to be able to fix things yourself. Nonetheless, though, SMF (Simple Machines) has free uploaders so it would be an exception.

 

[ion]

I think using free forum software is better if you going to start your forum site, and then upgrade it to paid software if you already know that there're a lot of things you can't do with the free software.

 

[Zayaa]

phpBB is one fo the best free forum software on the market, I have created a forum with phpBB, it is really a good option for a beginner.

 

[Jelineex]

I don't own a blog. I am not familiar with the software used to manage a site. However, I am thankful to come across this topic to get to know information that is helpful. I might consider developing a blog or site since this is a trend nowadays. I am hopeful I'll be able to achieve what I want. Thank you for sharing this information.

 

[Justin]

There's nothing wrong in using free software as long as you understand that it means that you have to either have the complete know-how yourself or be ready to fork out some money for hired help if (or when, really) something goes wrong, whereas with a paid solution you have dedicated help available in most cases round the clock.

There is no right or wrong answer though, really depends on your needs, skill level, and own dedication.